How much does a Speech Language Pathologist make?
Speech Language Pathologists, also known as SLPs, earn a solid income. The average yearly salary for SLPs is $101,755. This figure helps show what many people in this profession can expect to make. The pay can vary based on factors like experience, location, and the type of work setting.
Looking closer, here is how salaries spread out:
- The bottom 10% of SLPs earn $60,000 or less per year.
- The next 10% make between $60,000 and $70,000 per year.
- The middle 20% earn between $70,000 and $80,000 per year.
- The next 20% make between $80,000 and $100,000 per year.
- The top 10% earn $140,000 or more annually.
What are the highest paying cities for a Speech Language Pathologist?

-
Santa Maria, CA
Average Salary: $127,454
In Santa Maria, professionals find rewarding work supporting patients with speech and language difficulties. Many local healthcare providers, including Marian Regional Medical Center, offer opportunities to make a difference. The community values skilled SLPs who can help individuals communicate effectively.
Find Speech Language Pathologist jobs in Santa Maria, CA
-
San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $125,856
San Francisco provides a dynamic environment for SLPs, with numerous clinics and educational institutions seeking experts. Working here means access to cutting-edge treatments and a diverse patient population. Companies like UCSF Health are leaders in providing comprehensive care.
Find Speech Language Pathologist jobs in San Francisco, CA
-
Salinas, CA
Average Salary: $124,452
In Salinas, SLPs play a key role in improving patients' lives, with many opportunities in local hospitals and schools. The supportive community makes it a great place to build a career. Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System is a prominent employer in the area.
Find Speech Language Pathologist jobs in Salinas, CA
-
Santa Rosa, CA
Average Salary: $122,547
Santa Rosa offers a mix of urban and rural settings, allowing SLPs to work in diverse environments. Sutter Health and other local organizations provide excellent opportunities for growth. The city values skilled professionals who can help patients overcome communication challenges.
Find Speech Language Pathologist jobs in Santa Rosa, CA
-
Yuma, AZ
Average Salary: $119,355
Yuma is a growing city with opportunities for SLPs in both healthcare and educational settings. Local hospitals and schools need dedicated professionals. Yuma Regional Medical Center is a leading employer offering various positions.
Find Speech Language Pathologist jobs in Yuma, AZ
-
San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $119,139
San Jose's thriving tech industry creates demand for SLPs, particularly in schools and healthcare. Companies like Kaiser Permanente and Stanford Health Care offer numerous job openings. The city's vibrant culture supports a dynamic work environment.
Find Speech Language Pathologist jobs in San Jose, CA
-
Sacramento, CA
Average Salary: $118,328
Sacramento offers a range of opportunities for SLPs, with many positions in government and private healthcare facilities. The city's healthcare institutions, such as UC Davis Health, provide a wealth of experience and growth potential.
Find Speech Language Pathologist jobs in Sacramento, CA
-
Stockton, CA
Average Salary: $117,983
Stockton is a growing city with diverse opportunities for SLPs in healthcare and education. Local hospitals like St. Joseph's Medical Center offer stable employment. The community values professionals who can help individuals with communication needs.
Find Speech Language Pathologist jobs in Stockton, CA
-
Riverside, CA
Average Salary: $117,040
In Riverside, SLPs can find rewarding positions in both healthcare and educational settings. Loma Linda University Health and other local organizations offer many job openings. The city's growing population increases the need for skilled professionals.
Find Speech Language Pathologist jobs in Riverside, CA
-
Bakersfield, CA
Average Salary: $115,679
Bakersfield provides a supportive environment for SLPs, with opportunities in hospitals and schools. Kern Medical Center and other local employers offer diverse roles. The city values professionals who can help patients improve their communication skills.
Find Speech Language Pathologist jobs in Bakersfield, CA
What are the best companies a Speech Language Pathologist can work for?

-
Best Home Health Providers
Average Salary: $271,272
Best Home Health Providers offers rewarding roles for Speech Language Pathologists. They work with a wide range of patients in various home settings, ensuring personalized care. They serve clients throughout major cities.
-
Hamaspik of Kings County
Average Salary: $259,815
Hamaspik of Kings County provides comprehensive care for patients with speech and language needs. Speech Language Pathologists here focus on improving communication skills. They operate in the Kings County area, serving a diverse community.
-
Premier Home Health Providers, Inc.
Average Salary: $228,182
Premier Home Health Providers, Inc. hires Speech Language Pathologists to deliver top-quality care. They work with a dedicated team to enhance patients' lives. Their services are available in several regions across the country.
-
Achieve Beyond Pediatric Therapy and Autism Services
Average Salary: $224,757
Achieve Beyond Pediatric Therapy and Autism Services focuses on children's developmental needs. Speech Language Pathologists play a key role in providing specialized care. They serve families in major metropolitan areas.
-
Bridge Home Health and Hospice
Average Salary: $206,640
Bridge Home Health and Hospice offers Speech Language Pathologists opportunities to make a significant impact. They deliver compassionate care in home settings. They serve patients in various urban and suburban areas.
-
ACE Home Health Care & Hospice
Average Salary: $198,135
ACE Home Health Care & Hospice provides a supportive environment for Speech Language Pathologists. They focus on improving patients' quality of life. Their services reach clients in numerous cities.
-
Omni Therapy
Average Salary: $191,586
Omni Therapy hires Speech Language Pathologists to offer essential care in home environments. They emphasize personalized treatment plans. Their services are available in major urban areas.
-
White Glove Community Care
Average Salary: $191,168
White Glove Community Care offers rewarding opportunities for Speech Language Pathologists. They work with patients to enhance their communication skills. They serve communities in large cities.
-
Neogen Care
Average Salary: $187,844
Neogen Care provides a nurturing environment for Speech Language Pathologists. They focus on improving patients' communication abilities. Their services are available in multiple regions.
-
The Children's Circle
Average Salary: $187,500
The Children's Circle specializes in pediatric care. Speech Language Pathologists here work closely with children to enhance their language skills. They serve families in major metropolitan areas.
How to earn more as a Speech Language Pathologist?
If a Speech Language Pathologist aims to increase their earnings, they should consider multiple avenues for professional growth and specialization. Focusing on these areas can lead to greater job satisfaction and higher compensation packages. Key to this strategy is gaining specialized certifications and expanding skill sets beyond the basic requirements of the profession.
Here are some ways to earn more in this field:
- Earn Advanced Degrees: Pursuing a master's or doctoral degree can open up higher-paying positions. Such advanced qualifications often qualify one for supervisory or administrative roles.
- Obtain Specialized Certifications: Certifications in areas such as pediatric speech therapy or dysphagia can attract higher paying clients and employers.
- Gain Experience in Various Settings: Working in diverse environments like hospitals, schools, and private clinics can increase earning potential by making one more adaptable and valuable to different employers.
- Develop Strong Communication Skills: Clear and effective communication with patients, families, and other healthcare professionals can lead to better outcomes and higher job performance, often rewarded with higher pay.
- Network Within the Industry: Building connections with other professionals can lead to job opportunities that may offer better compensation.



